Open D tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | F♯3 | 185.00 Hz |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
Sound and genres
The root D is on strings 6, 4 and 1, so the lowest note is always the root and the chord sounds deep and settled. The fifth, A, is on strings 5 and 2, and the only third is the F♯ on string 3, which makes that one string the switch between major and minor.
Open D only lowers strings, so the guitar gets slightly looser and warmer. Melodies on the top strings ring over a constant low drone, and the same shapes with a capo at fret 2 give you open E without its extra tension.
- Folk
- Blues
- Slide guitar
- Fingerstyle
- Singer-songwriter
How to tune to Open D
- From standard, lower string 6 from E2 to D2, string 2 from B3 to A3 and string 1 from E4 to D4, two semitones each.
- Lower string 3 one semitone, from G3 to F♯3. Strings 5 and 4 (A and D) stay where they are.
- Approach each note from slightly below. If the tuner reads a string you are lowering as its neighbor, turn Detect String off and tap that string's peg.
- Check by ear: strings 6, 4 and 1 are D in three octaves, and strings 5 and 2 are A an octave apart. Then strum: an even, beat-free D chord means you are close.
- Run the final recheck pass in the tune-up checklist, since four strings losing tension lets the others drift slightly.
Changing from standard tuning
String by string, from standard tuning. Pick a different starting tuning to see its changes, or open the tuning changer.
4 strings change
| String | Change | Semitones | Peg | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 → D2 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
| 5 | A2 | 0 | No change | — |
| 4 | D3 | 0 | No change | — |
| 3 | G3 → F♯3 | −1 | ↓ Loosen | −11% |
| 2 | B3 → A3 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
| 1 | E4 → D4 | −2 | ↓ Loosen | −21% |
Slide positions and chords in open D
A straight slide or barre gives a major chord at every fret: open is D, fret 5 is G, fret 7 is A and fret 12 is D an octave up. Fret 3 gives F and fret 10 gives C, useful for blues and rock moves.
Fretting string 3 at fret 1 turns the open D into Dsus4, and lifting the finger resolves it again, a hammer-on and pull-off figure that suits the tuning. With that finger down the guitar is actually sounding DADGAD.
For D minor without retuning, mute string 3 and fret string 1 at fret 3 to put F on top. If you need minor chords all evening, lower string 3 a further semitone to F for open D minor (D A D F A D).
Open D, open E and the capo
Open E has exactly the same intervals as open D, two semitones higher. Instead of raising three strings to reach open E, many players tune to open D and put a capo at fret 2: the same sound and shapes, with less tension on the neck and bridge.
A standard set works in open D. For slide, a little more action and a set one step heavier keep the slide clear of the frets.
Chord shapes in Open D
Songs in Open D
- Street Fighting Man — The Rolling Stones (1968). Richards recalls a capoed open-D acoustic; fret not statedSource: Guitar World, 2025
- Big Yellow Taxi — Joni Mitchell (1970), capo 2Source: JoniMitchell.com transcription
- Even Flow — Pearl Jam (1991). Stone Gossard's part only; Mike McCready plays in standard tuningSource: Wikipedia (cites Musician, 1992)
- The Cave — Mumford & Sons (2009), capo 2Source: Wikipedia
- Babel — Mumford & Sons (2012)Source: MusicRadar, 2024
Frequently asked questions
What is open D tuning?
D A D F♯ A D, low to high. The open strings form a D major chord with the root in the bass.
Should I use open D with a capo instead of open E?
If your guitar is old, lightly built or strung with heavy strings, yes. A capo at fret 2 in open D gives open E pitch without raising any strings.
How do I play minor chords in open D?
Mute string 3 and fret string 1 at fret 3 for D minor, or lower string 3 a semitone to F for open D minor.
What is the difference between open D and DADGAD?
Only string 3: F♯ in open D, G in DADGAD. Open D is a major chord; DADGAD is a suspended one.
Is open D good for slide guitar?
Yes. The root is on the lowest string, and every fret under a straight slide gives a major chord: fret 5 for G and fret 7 for A in the key of D.
Do I need different strings for open D?
No. Four strings drop slightly, so a standard set works; a heavier set helps if you play slide with raised action.